Opening Monologue
Welcome to week 4 of our “Heavenward” Series. I pray you are learning a lot about heaven and growing more confident in your salvation in Jesus Christ!
Welcome to those that are new. If you missed any of these sermons, you could find them on this APP or any of our AVC Connections which will be listed further down. ** All the App Notes are accessible as well.
As you know by now if you have been listening to this series; there is a lot more to heaven than singing for eternity and bouncing on clouds… while playing harps… LOL
Revelation 21:1-3 says: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
The Key Ingredients which we will engage this week during the sermon is: The New Earth and New Jerusalem … and the Dwelling of God with us forever. We are all in on Part 2 of “How Glorious is Heaven?” You don’t want to miss this sermon!
Blessings in Christ!
Rev. Brad Standfest
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Key Sermon Text
Revelation 21:1-3, 10-11
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021%3A1-3&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021%3A10-11%20&version=NIV
Rev. 22:1-2
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.%2022%3A1-2&version=NIV
Gen 2:8, 3:8-9
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%202%3A8&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%203%3A8-9&version=NIV
Isaiah 11:6-9
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2011%3A6-9&version=NIV
Commentary:
Summary of the Edenic Paradise and the New Earth (IN Heaven)
The narrative of the Edenic paradise in Genesis chapters 1-3 sets the stage for the entire biblical story, which finds culmination in the visions recorded in Revelation chapters 21-22. This arc from creation to new creation highlights God’s purpose to restore His original design for humanity and creation, which was marred by sin.
In Genesis 1-3, we see God’s creation of the world as an act of divine will, establishing a harmonious and perfect environment. Humanity, made in the image of God, is placed in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). It is a place of abundance, where every need is provided, and humans enjoy direct fellowship with God. However, disobedience by Adam and Eve leads to the fall, bringing sin into the world and resulting in their expulsion from Eden (Genesis 3:23).
The themes introduced in Genesis—creation, temptation, fall, and the consequences of sin—frame the human experience and set the stage for God’s redemptive work throughout the Bible. Despite the fall, God’s promise of redemption and restoration begins to unfold, with the hope of a return to an Edenic state of wholeness and harmony.
In Revelation 21-22, this hope is vividly realized in the vision of a new heaven and new earth, where the former things have passed away. God’s promise to dwell with humanity is fulfilled as the new Jerusalem descends from heaven, symbolizing restored relationship and harmony. Notably, elements reminiscent of Eden reappear: the river of the water of life and the tree of life (Revelation 22:1-2). These symbols speak to the restoration of what was lost in Eden—a place of eternal life and healing.
This vision in Revelation doesn’t merely return humanity to Eden but transcends it, bringing a perfected, eternal state free from death, mourning, or pain (Revelation 21:4). It emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness to bring redemption to completion.
Thus, the Edenic paradise in Genesis and the renewed creation in Revelation form bookends of the biblical narrative, illustrating the overarching theme of God’s desire to dwell among His people and the restoration of His creation to its intended glory. This journey from creation, through fall, to redemption and restoration underscores the hope and assurance found in God’s unwavering plan to heal and restore all things.
How Does Eden Anticipate the New Earth
Eden wasn’t just a garden. It was an entire land of natural wonders. The Pishon River, originating in Eden, flowed “through the entire land of Havilah… (The gold of that land is good; aromatic *resin and onyx are also there)” (Genesis 2:11-12).
** “Resin” can also translate as Pearls. Theologian Bochart says “pearls are to be understood, of which a very large quantity are fished up in the Persian Gulf and in India; he also sites the root words of Hebrew translations(BLB Greek Study)
The precious onyx stone was located not only near Eden but actually in Eden (Ezekiel 28:13).
Later in Israel’s history, God commanded the high priest to wear two onyx stones with the names of the twelve tribes written on them. God calls these “memorial stones” (Exodus 28:9-12). Not just the names but the stones themselves were apparently memorials. But what would onyx stones memorialize? The Genesis and Ezekiel passages suggest the answer: Eden.
The onyx stones on the high priest’s shoulders served to remind the people of Eden, the perfect Earth that should be kept alive in the hearts, dreams, and hopes of God’s people. God wanted his people to look at the Temple and the high priest—a symbol of mankind reconciled to God-and to remember Eden, where people lived in communion with God. The stones suggested that in redeeming mankind, God would restore them to Eden.
The final biblical reference to onyx stones, and the only one in the New Testament, tells us they will be on the foundations of the New Jerusalem’s walls (Revelation 21:19-20). The onyx of Eden and on the high priest’s shoulders-representing two places where God dwelled with his people will be displayed in the Holy City, where God will forever live with his people. Hence, the onyx on the high priest and in the Temple simultaneously points us to our past in Eden and our future on the New Earth.
Just as Eden is our backward-looking reference point, the New Earth is our forward-looking reference point. We should expect the New Earth to be like Eden, only better. That’s exactly what Scripture promises. Notice the earth’s restoration to Edenlike qualities prophesied in these passages:
Indeed, the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and sound of a melody. (Isaiah 51:3, NASB)
They will say, “This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.” (Ezekiel 36:35, NASB)
The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. (Isaiah 35:1, NKJV)
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree. (Isaiah 55:13, NKJV)
Commenting on such passages, theologian Anthony Hoekema writes,
“Prophecies of this nature should be understood as descriptions of the new earth, which God will bring into existence after Christ comes again—a new earth which will last, not just for a thousand years, but forever… Keeping the doctrine of the new earth in mind.. will open up the meaning of large por tions of Old Testament prophetic literature in surprisingly new ways.
Conversation of the High Preists Apparel and How it relates to Heaven
The high priest’s ephod, as described in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus, is an intricate garment worn by the high priest of Israel. It is notable for its breastpiece, which contains precious stones that symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel.
In Exodus 28:15-21, we find details about the breastpiece, also known as the breastplate of judgment. It is crafted with skilled workmanship using gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. The breastpiece is designed to be square, a span long and a span wide, and folded double.
Set into the breastpiece are twelve precious stones, each mounted in gold filigree, arranged in four rows. The stones listed in Exodus 28:17-20 are:
- First row: Carnelian, chrysolite, and beryl.
- Second row: Turquoise, lapis lazuli, and emerald.
- Third row: Jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
- Fourth row: Topaz, onyx, and jasper.
Each stone represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the name of each tribe is engraved on its respective stone. This signifies the priest’s role in representing the people of Israel before the Lord. In Exodus 28:29-30, it is explained that whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breast piece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. This ephod, adorned with its precious stones, is integral to the high priest’s garments, facilitating his sacred duty of mediation and intercession on behalf of the people.
Isn’t it interesting that we see many of these precious stones in the foundations of the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:19-20)We also see the Names of the 12 Tribes of Israel on the Gates… “The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. (Revelaiton 212:19-20) “It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Revelation 21:12)
THE NEW EARTH / 21:1–8
John watched as this gigantic city descended to the new earth created by God. The city was a 1,400-mile square (Height, Width, & Length all the same) with 200-foot thick walls. Made of pure gold, it was decorated with all kinds of beautiful gems. Its gates opened in every direction, as evidence of the church’s success in proclaiming Christ to every nation (5:9; 21:13). At the very center of this city was God, the enthroned Lamb. The light from his throne illumined the entire city. From his throne, a crystal-clear river of life was flowing. At the river’s bank, the tree of life was flourishing, producing twelve different kinds of fruit for the healing of the nations. “Nothing unclean … will ever enter” the city (21:27), for this is where God will reign!
21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. The earth and sky had fled from God’s presence (see 20:11), and this new heaven and earth had taken their place. When sin entered the human race, it and all creation were corrupted. That’s why Paul wrote, “Everything on earth was subjected to God’s curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:20–22 NLT). All of this “newness” is not merely physical but also spiritual and moral. Everything will be “new” because “God is now among his people” (21:3 NLT).
That the sea was also gone could refer to evil being gone, for the sea was associated with evil (the Beast had come out of the sea, 13:1). This could mean that there will be no oceans in the new earth. It probably means, however, that all evil will be banished, “for the old world and its evils are gone forever” (21:4 NLT). The other rational thought is that salt is a preservative. We will need no preservatives in heaven… So, no more salty oceans. Only Fresh water is in heaven.
The Old Testament prophets had predicted that God would create a brand-new earth and heaven. Isaiah described this:
THE BEGINNING AND THE END
The Bible records the beginning of the world and the end of the world. The story of mankind, from beginning to end—from the fall into sin to redemption and God’s ultimate victory over evil—is found in the pages of the Bible.
Genesis: The sun is created.
Revelation: The sun is not needed.
Genesis: Satan is victorious.
Revelation: Satan is defeated.
Genesis: Sin enters the human race.
Revelation: Sin is banished.
Genesis: People run and hide from God.
Revelation: People are invited to live with God forever.
Genesis: People are cursed.
Revelation: The curse is removed.
Genesis: Tears are shed, with sorrow for sin.
Revelation: All sin, tears, and sorrow are gone.
Genesis: The garden and earth are cursed.
Revelation: God’s city is glorified, the earth is made new.
Genesis: Paradise is lost.
Revelation: Paradise is regained.
Genesis: People are doomed to death.
Revelation: Death is defeated, believers live forever with God.
Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth—so wonderful that no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more.” (Isaiah 65:17–19 NLT)
Peter also encouraged believers to “look forward to that day and hurry it along—the day when God will set the heavens on fire and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world where everyone is right with God” (2 Peter 3:12–13 NLT).
The earth as we know it will not last forever, but after God’s great judgment, he will create a new earth (see Romans 8:18–21; 2 Peter 3:7–13). God had also promised Isaiah that he would create a new and eternal earth (Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22). The sea in John’s time was viewed as dangerous and changeable. It was also the source of the Beast (Revelation 13:1). We don’t know how the new earth will look or where it will be, but God and his followers—those whose names are written in the Book of Life—will be united to live there forever.
THE REAL WORLD
Christians see the world as it is—physically decaying and spiritually infected with sin. But faced with these conditions, Christians do not need to be pessimistic because they have hope for future glory. They look forward to the new heaven and new earth that God has promised, and they wait for God’s new order that will free the world of sin, sickness, and evil. In the meantime, Christians should go with Christ into the world to heal people’s bodies and souls and to fight the evil effects of sin.
21:2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. In addition to a new heaven and a new earth is a new city. The holy city, the new Jerusalem descends out of heaven from God. The “new Jerusalem” is where God lives among his people. God had become man in Jesus Christ and had lived among sinful people in a broken world (John 1:14). At the end of time, God will come down to his new heaven and new earth to be with his renewed people. The church in Philadelphia was promised “all who are victorious … will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God” (3:12 NLT).
That this city is called “the new Jerusalem” indicates a relationship to the “old Jerusalem,” the capital of Israel. As the old creation had been corrupted by sin, so the old Jerusalem had been the city where prophets were killed and where Christ himself was crucified. Jesus had lamented over the city, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37 NIV). Yet throughout the Old Testament are rich promises for the future restoration of Israel—God’s people. This new Jerusalem will be God’s dwelling place among his people (see commentary at 21:3).
God’s people, all believers, will live in this magnificent city, described as a bride adorned for her husband—pure and radiant, ready to join the one she loves (see also 21:9). In 19:7–9, God’s people, the church, are described as a bride making herself ready for the marriage feast (see commentary there); here, the new Jerusalem is also described as a bride. Whether Jerusalem is an actual city, or symbolic of the community of God’s people, is unknown. But we are certain that there will be relationships in the new Jerusalem—first between God and his people, and second among God’s people. The image of individuals floating on their own fluffy clouds is incorrect. God’s people will corporately worship him; all will be together, and it will be so beautiful that it defies description. The details of the bride’s adornment are given in verses 11–21.
The remainder of the chapter gives a fuller picture, yet the new Jerusalem is surely beyond anything words can describe:
• It is the home of God among his people. Those who had never seen the one they loved will see him face-to-face and behold his glory (21:3; 22:4).
• It has no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Anything that caused sadness in life on earth will be gone; this will be a place of eternal and unimaginable joy that nothing will ever cloud (21:4, 26–27).
• It is a place for those who trusted Christ, regardless of what it cost them. Its blessings are an inheritance for them, and they will be called God’s children (21:7).
• It is filled with the glory of God and gleams like a very rare jewel (21:11). This is nothing but the best and finest and most precious—given to God’s people as their inheritance.
• It is in the shape of a perfect cube, symbolizing perfection and completeness (21:15–16).
• It has no temple, for God and the Lamb are its temple (21:22).
• Worship of God will be a foundational aspect of daily life (22:3).
• It has no need of the sun or the moon (21:23). There will never be any darkness (symbolic or otherwise, 21:25; 22:5), for the people will experience God’s glory constantly; there will be no need for the sun to mark the days, for time will cease to be.
• It has the river of life coursing through it with many trees of life growing there, giving constant refreshment and meeting every need (22:1–2).
21:3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” A loud shout from the throne (not from God, but probably an angel near the throne) announced the words all of creation had been waiting to hear: “Look, the home of God is now among his people! … God himself will be with them.” God had promised that one day, “I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:11–12 NLT). What has been foreshadowed in God’s presence in the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35), in the Temple (1 Kings 8:10–11), and in the bodily presence of God himself in Jesus (John 1:14) will become a reality in the new Jerusalem. As God had walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:8), so he will live with his people. God’s people will live within the shekinah glory of God.
The presence of God among his people fulfills all the longing of the entire Bible. The Old Testament prophets had foreseen this great day:
• “I will make you my own special people, and I will be your God” (Exodus 6:7 NLT).
• “I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:11–12 NLT).
• “For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure” (Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT).
• “I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people…. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, will already know me” (Jeremiah 31:33–34 NLT).
• “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Ezekiel 37:27 NIV).
• “I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God” (Zechariah 8:8 NIV).
This desire to be in the presence of God should be our strongest desire here on earth and the focus of all our worship.
21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” The utter joy of living in God’s presence is indescribable; Revelation explains what will not be there. There will be no more tears. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. All that has caused sadness and suffering will be taken away. All sin that has been the source of sorrow will be gone. God himself will wipe away the tears, and they will never return. Isaiah had seen a future day when “the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Isaiah 35:10 NIV). Believers’ physical bodies will have been transformed (1 Corinthians 15:35–57), and they will have been made perfect. John wrote in another place, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2 NLT).
There can be no evil in God’s glorious presence; therefore, the old order of things has passed away. The “old order” where Satan ran free and sin ran rampant will be replaced by God’s order.
NO MORE TEARS
The “Holy City, the new Jerusalem” is described as the place where God will “wipe every tear from their eyes.” Forevermore, there will be no death, pain, sorrow, or crying. What a wonderful truth! No matter what you are going through, it’s not the last word—God has written the final chapter, and it is about true fulfillment and eternal joy for those who love him. We do not know as much as we would like, but it is enough to know that eternity with God will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine. When you face daily uncertainties, take courage from the promise of eternal life with God.
21:5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” This time, God himself, the one who was seated on the throne, spoke (see also 1:8). His words describe the reality of what was happening: “See, I am making all things new.” God is the Creator. The Bible begins with the majestic story of God creating the universe, and it concludes with his creating a new heaven and a new earth. This is a tremendous hope and encouragement for believers. God told John to write this so that believers across the generations, awaiting this glorious future, can be encouraged to know that these words are trustworthy and true. Because God has spoken, believers can know of the absolute certainty that these events will one day occur. God’s word never changes.
21:6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.” Just as God finished the work of creation (Genesis 2:1–3) and Jesus finished the work of redemption (John 19:30), so they will finish the entire plan of salvation by inviting the redeemed into a new creation and proclaim, “It is done!”
God said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” This repeats 1:8 (see also 1:17; 2:8), where Christ had said this to John. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Lord God is the “beginning and the end.” God is sovereign over history and in control of everything.
God promised that he would give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life, to all who are thirsty. This water is also described in 22:1, and it symbolizes eternal life. Jesus had told the Samaritan woman: “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life” (John 4:13–14 NLT). “If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within” (John 7:37–38 NLT). Those “Scriptures” to which Jesus was referring include Isaiah 55:1; 58:11; Jeremiah 2:13; Ezekiel 47:1–10; Joel 3:18. Water is pictured as salvation, and God’s gracious offer is to anyone who “thirsts.” Here in Revelation, water pictures the reward of those who have been “victorious” (21:7). They will no longer have any needs, for their needs will be completely met by God throughout all eternity.
WELL-WATERED
God promised the “water of life” (21:6). Those reading God’s words knew the importance of water. They knew that water is essential for life and crops. And they did not take water for granted.
All the water anyone used in their homes had to be carried from nearby springs or wells. People handled water carefully and conserved it. Because much of the country in the Bible lands was arid, the survival of the crops was determined by rain. Late rains could cause the planted seeds not to germinate. In the cultivation of grapes, for instance, the vines require at least one hundred gallons of water in order to produce one gallon of wine.
Symbolically, water came to represent Israel’s deliverance in the wilderness when they were actually dying of thirst. In the new Jerusalem, God promises the water of life so that thirst will be no more. It is pitiful not to respond to God’s offer. We do this when:
• we discount God’s blessings instead of depending on Christ’s constant provision,
• we foolishly crave what we do not need instead of trusting Christ to determine what we really need,
• we lean on the comforts of this life and our personal gratification instead of looking to the eternal destiny that Christ has promised.
21:7–8 “All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, an…ill be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards who turn away from me, and unbelievers, and the corrupt, and murderers, and the immoral, and those who practice witchcraft, and idol worshipers, and all liars—their doom is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” Verses 7 and 8 form an interlude; they are directed to the readers who must make a choice whether they will be part of the victorious ones who will inherit all these blessings (21:7) or the cowards who turn away from God and face their doom in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur (21:8). That lake is described in 19:20 and 20:10 as the place of torment and punishment for the Beast, the false prophet, Satan, and all who followed them. Because they stubbornly refused to drink from the water of life and receive salvation in Christ, their doom will be the second death—the lake of fire. The “first death” is physical death. But all the dead will be raised to be judged, and those who are sent away to punishment will face the “second death,” which is spiritual.
John described the Beast’s followers as unbelievers, and the corrupt, and murderers, and the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, and idol worshipers, and all liars. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but is representative of all sin and rebellion against God. Those who refuse to believe (the “unbelievers”), no matter how good or moral they are, will join those whose sins are more blatant, as recorded in this list. All unbelievers will face the same punishment. This is a warning to those who may be Christians in name only to be certain of their salvation. Which will they choose? The water of life, or the fire of the second death?
The “cowards” are those who turn back from following God, not those who are fainthearted in their faith or who sometimes doubt or question. They are not brave enough to stand up for Christ; they are not humble enough to accept his authority over their lives. In contrast, the “victorious” are those who overcome and “stand firm to the end” (Mark 13:13 NIV). They will receive the blessings that God promised:
• eating from the tree of life (2:7),
• escaping the lake of fire (the “second death,” 2:11),
• receiving a special name (2:17),
• having authority over the nations (2:26),
• being included in the Book of Life (3:5),
• being a pillar in God’s spiritual temple (3:12),
• sitting with Christ on his throne (3:21).
Those who can endure the testing of evil and remain faithful will be rewarded by God.
THE NEW JERUSALEM / 21:9–27
The remainder of the chapter is a stunning description of the new city of God. The vision is symbolic and shows that the believers’ new home with God will defy description. They will not be disappointed by it in any way.
21:9 Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” John was addressed by one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues (see 15:1). Also, in 17:1, one of the seven angels had taken John to see the great prostitute. Here, one of the seven angels told John that he would show him the bride, the wife of the Lamb—referring to the church (the believers, 19:7–8) and the new Jerusalem (21:2) all rolled into one in this awesome vision. (For more on the imagery of the bride as the wife of the Lamb, see commentary at 19:7–8 and 21:2.) In contrast to the great prostitute, who symbolizes the evil system and the people who rebeled against God, the bride represents those who remained faithful to Christ and now are prepared to join him.
21:10–11 And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. When John had been taken to see the great prostitute, he had been taken “in spirit into the wilderness” (17:3 NLT). When John was taken to see the bride, he once again was in the spirit—this time carried away to a great, high mountain. From that vantage point, the angel showed John the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.
This is a further description of what John had written in 21:2—this time describing the city itself. Verses 10–14 describe the beauty of this city: It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. These descriptions are not meant to be taken literally, but the fact that this is a symbolic vision does not diminish the glory of what John was attempting to describe. As the great prostitute, dragon, Beast, and false prophet symbolized evil, so the vision of a bride and a beautiful city provide the opposite picture. Often John drew upon Old Testament imagery (as from Ezekiel’s prophecies) in his attempt to describe the indescribable. As with the imagery of the bride, this city pictures the future, glorious dwelling place of the believers. John has already described eternal life in the new heaven and new earth (21:3–6); here he described heaven’s physical characteristics—absolute and incomparable beauty.
This city had no lights in it; instead, it radiated with the glory of God. John did not have electric or neon lights to describe, so he used the picture of a clear jewel, perhaps cut with many facets, radiating and reflecting light. “Jasper” had been used earlier in describing the appearance of God himself (4:3) and is used again in 21:11, 18–19.
21:12–13 It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites; on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. Next, John described the wall of the city. In John’s day, most cities had walls around them, so in this part of the vision John described what would be the ideal city to his audience. This is a high wall with twelve gates, three on each side of the city. Each gate was inscribed with the name of one of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. Ezekiel had seen a similar vision (see Ezekiel 48:30–34). Each gate had twelve angels, once again describing for John’s audience the ideal city with high walls (and watchmen at every gate).
The gates would always be open (21:25)—allowing people from every nation to come into the city. These open gates indicate that all of God’s people will be there; no one will be missed or forgotten.
21:14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The great, high wall of the city had twelve foundation stones. Ancient city walls would have huge stones as their foundations. This city had only twelve foundation stones—these were indeed huge stones. While the gates had the names of the twelve tribes, these stones had the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Jesus told the apostles that they would rule the twelve tribes (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30). The term “twelve apostles” could refer to the original twelve disciples, but other believers had been called “apostles” (such as Paul and Barnabas). It is more important to understand the symbolism that the church rests on the work of the apostles—the first followers of Jesus. Paul had written, “We are [God’s] house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord” (Ephesians 2:20–21 NLT).
21:15–16 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. In chapter 11, an angel had told John to “measure the Temple of God and the altar” (see comments on 11:1). This time, the angel had a measuring rod of gold, and with it he measured the city, its gates and its walls. The city’s measurements are symbolic of a place that will hold all God’s people. These measurements are all multiples of 12, the number for God’s people: there were 12 tribes in Israel and 12 apostles who started the church. The walls are 144 (12 x 12) cubits (200 feet) thick; there are 12 layers in the walls, and 12 gates in the city; and the height, length, and breadth are all the same: 12,000 stadia. It is interesting to note that the 12,000 stadia converts to 1,400 miles, roughly the length of the Roman Empire. The new Jerusalem is a perfect cube, the same shape as the Most Holy Place in the temple (1 Kings 6:20). This act of measuring shows its completeness as noted in 11:1 and in Ezekiel 40–41.
21:17 He also measured its wall, one hundred forty-four cubits by human measurement, which the angel was using. The measurement of the city’s wall is one hundred forty-four cubits (about 200 feet), another multiple of 12 and another symbol of the perfection and completeness of this city. If it were an actual wall, it would be far thicker than the walls of any city in the ancient world, even thicker than the Great Wall of China. The phrase that John adds, “by human measurement, which the angel was using,” is a parenthetical note that the angel’s cubit was no different than the cubit measurement with which his readers were familiar.
21:18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. That the wall was made of jasper and that God himself is described as appearing like jasper (4:3) indicates that everything in the city would radiate the presence of God. This holy city, in the shape of a perfect cube, is reminiscent of the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle and in the temple. In Solomon’s Temple, the Most Holy Place was splendid, with its interior overlaid with pure gold (1 Kings 6:21–22). So this entire city is pure gold, as clear as glass. Its clearness indicates its lack of impurity; nothing will impede its ability to transmit God’s glory.
21:19–20 The foundations of the wall of the city are adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. The foundations of the wall were adorned with twelve precious stones. The significance of each stone has been debated. Some have suggested that this imagery comes from the breastplate of the high priest, which had twelve precious stones on it (Exodus 28:17–20), even though the identifications of the stones are different. This is the most likely source of the imagery, indicating that what had once been the high priest’s privilege alone had become part of the very foundation of the city of God, made available to all people. The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place (again, this is the same shape as the city—a cube) only once each year on the Day of Atonement to make a sacrifice for the sins of the entire nation. The Most Holy Place was the place of God’s presence. In the new Jerusalem, all of God’s people will constantly be in his presence. Nothing will ever again separate them from him.
The names of the various stones indicate jewels of various colors—all of them rare and beautiful. The picture John gives of this city indicates beauty beyond description.
21:21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. Each of the twelve gates (21:11) was made from a single pearl. Pearls were very valuable in ancient times (see Matthew 13:45–46), so a pearl large enough to make a gate for this great city would be beyond imagining. In addition, the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass, just like the rest of the city (21:18). Again the emphasis is on its purity and transparency in order to radiate the glory of God.
21:22 No temple could be seen in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. This beautiful city, like any other city in the ancient world, would be expected to have a temple—a central place of worship. Many ancient cities would have several temples for the various gods the people worshiped. The focal point of worship in Jerusalem was God’s temple. That temple, the center of God’s presence among his people, was the primary place of worship. In the new Jerusalem, however, no temple could be seen because God’s presence would be everywhere. He would be worshiped throughout the city. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Their presence would be enough.
21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. God had remade the heavens (21:1). Perhaps, when he did so, he didn’t re-create a sun or a moon. The new city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the radiance of God’s glory is its light. Isaiah had written, “No longer will you need the sun or moon to give you light, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and he will be your glory. The sun will never set; the moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19–20 NLT). Isaiah continued by describing that “all your people will be righteous” (Isaiah 60:21 NLT), so perhaps the same reality is being described here. God and the Lamb impart the “light” of their righteousness to the city (the people). John, in his Gospel, had recorded Jesus’ statement, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).
GOD IS ITS LIGHT
God will be the light in the new Jerusalem. Light represents what is good, pure, true, holy, and reliable. Darkness represents what is sinful and evil. The statement “God is its light” means that the city will be enveloped by God, who is perfectly holy and true. Light is also related to truth in that it exposes whatever exists. Just as darkness cannot exist in the presence of light, so sin cannot exist in the presence of a holy God. The city will be completely without sin and evil.
If we want to have a relationship with God, we must put aside our sinful ways of living. To claim that we belong to God but then to go out and live for ourselves is hypocrisy. To prepare to live with him in eternity, we must love the light and let it chase out any darkness in our lives.
21:24–25 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. Elsewhere in Revelation, the word “nations” referred to the nations of the earth that joined the Antichrist (see 11:2, 18; 18:3, 23; 19:15). Here, however, the term refers to God’s people. This shows the culmination of the conversion offered to all nations (5:9; 11:18; 14:6–7). This does not mean universal salvation, as some have suggested, but that God has chosen from every tribe, nation, people, and language who will come to be part of his great city. The city will be lit by the glory of God and the Lamb (21:23), and the people will walk by its light. All people on earth, even the kings of the earth who experienced power and glory in this world, will simply bring their splendor to God’s throne, casting down their crowns before him. Their splendor will be nothing compared to what they will experience in eternity.
The city’s gates will never be shut. This does not imply that outside of the New Jerusalem, unsaved people are still roaming around. Instead, this pictures a city with open gates on a new earth where believers will dwell throughout. Ancient cities shut their gates at night for security purposes. However, since there will be no night there, and since all evil will have been eradicated, these gates will stay open constantly. Revelation seems to picture great activity coming and going from the city.
21:26–27 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter—no one who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. In contrast to the worldly nations’ trade with evil Babylon (chapter 18), the nations (again describing God’s people) will bring their glory and honor into the city. John again made the point that nothing evil will be allowed to enter. This does not indicate that evil would still be present in some realm outside the great city. All evil will be gone. Instead, in 20:7–8, John was warning his contemporary readers that they would not be in this glorious place unless their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (For more on the Book of Life, see 3:5 and 20:12–15).
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
Not everyone will be allowed into the new Jerusalem, but “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Don’t think that you will get in because of your background, personality, or good behavior. Eternal life is available to you only because of what Jesus, the Lamb, has done. Trust him today to secure your citizenship in his new creation.
Revelation 22
THE RIVER OF LIFE / 22:1–5
This section describes what could be called the “new Eden.” What the first Garden of Eden was supposed to be is fulfilled here. What Adam and Eve would have had if they had not fallen is what is given to God’s people. Adam and Eve lost Paradise; here, God has remade it.
22:1–2 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. The angel showed John the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing … down the middle of the great street of the city. The water of life is a symbol of eternal life. Jesus used this same image with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7–14). It pictures fullness of life with God and the eternal blessings that come when people believe in him and allow him to satisfy their spiritual thirst (see 22:17). The Garden of Eden also had a river running through it that watered it (2:10). In both the Old and New Testaments, water pictures salvation and the refreshment of the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel’s vision also had a river with trees growing along it (Ezekiel 47:1–12). The water in the new Jerusalem flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. God in Christ, who is the water of life (John 7:37–38), is the source of this constant stream of blessing and refreshment for his people. This river flows down the middle of the main street of the city and is accessible to everyone.
This tree of life can be compared to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9; see also Ezekiel 47:12.) After Adam and Eve sinned, they were forbidden to eat from the tree of life. But because of the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus, there will be no evil or sin in the new Jerusalem. Believers will be able to eat freely from the tree of life when sin’s control is destroyed and eternity with God is secure. This tree (one tree or many trees) grows on each side of the river and bears twelve crops of fruit, with a new crop every month. Adam and Eve had been cut off from the tree of life because of their sin (Genesis 3:22–24); now the tree has fruit available for everyone—fresh fruit, not just once a year with a dry time in between, but new fruit every month.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT ETERNITY
The Bible devotes much less space to describing eternity than it does to convincing people that eternal life is available as a free gift from God. Most of the brief descriptions of eternity would be more accurately called hints, since they use terms and ideas from present experience to describe what we cannot fully grasp until we are there ourselves. These references hint at aspects of what our future will be like if we have accepted Christ’s gift of eternal life.
We will have a place prepared for us. John 14:2–3
We will be unlimited by physical properties (1 Corinthians 15:35–49). John 20:19, 26
We will be like Jesus. 1 John 3:2
We will have new bodies. 1 Corinthians 15
It will be a wonderful experience. 1 Corinthians 2:9
It will be a new environment. Revelation 21:1
It will be a new experience of God’s presence (1 Corinthians 13:12). Revelation 21:3
We will have new emotions. Revelation 21:4
There will be no more death. Revelation 21:4
In addition to the fruit, the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Why would the nations need to be healed if all evil has been eliminated? John was alluding to Ezekiel 47:12, where water flowing from the temple produced trees with healing leaves. He was not implying that there would be illness in the new earth; he was emphasizing that the water of life would produce health and strength wherever it would go. God’s people in his kingdom will have no physical or spiritual needs. All the hurts of the nations will have been healed.
22:3–4 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. The phrase “no longer will there be any curse” could mean that nothing accursed will be in God’s presence. This would fulfill Zechariah 14:11. More likely, this refers to God lifting the curse that had been placed in Eden (Genesis 3:17–18). The phrase “the throne of God and of the Lamb” indicates the oneness of God and the Lamb, as well as God’s presence right among his people. His servants will serve him. This indicates that our relationship to God in eternity will involve service. While most translations say, “worship him,” there may be more service to do in our worship. While all of our service will be focused on worshiping God, there may be ongoing caretaking responsibilities given to us as we reign with him (22:5).
God’s people will see his face. The face of God had not been seen by anyone since Adam and Eve sinned. Even Moses, the great lawgiver who went up on the mountain to meet with God, had only been able to see God from the back. God had told him, “You may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20 NLT). Here in heaven, however, God’s people will see him face-to-face. Jesus had promised, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NIV). John, in another of his books, wrote, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 NIV). To be able to see God’s face suggests intimate personal relationship. God will not be a king on a throne in a remote castle; he will be among his people.
In addition, God’s people will have his name written on their foreheads. This points out God’s ownership. God’s people had been “sealed” (7:3), and this seal previously had been described as being in the form of the Father’s name (14:1). The point is that this is the same group—God will bring his own safely to his eternal kingdom.
22:5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. The point that there will be no more night was noted in 21:25. This indicates that there will be no more evil, no more darkness, and no more time (for God had created day and night, along with the sun and the moon, to mark the passage of time—Genesis 1:14–15). The people in the city will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, as was also noted in 21:23 (see commentary there). Zechariah had prophesied, “On that day, the sources of light will no longer shine, yet there will be continuous day” (Zechariah 14:7).
The result of the entire book of Revelation is in this verse: God’s people, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, will reign forever and ever (see also Daniel 7:18, 28). It is interesting to note that 22:3 and 22:5 are parallel in the participle verb form, translated “they will serve” (22:3) and “they will reign” here. This identifies the nature of our reigning.
Those who believe in Christ will become rulers, reigning in his kingdom of life, where there is no death (see also 1:6; 5:10; 11:17; 20:6; 22:5; Romans 5:17, 21; 2 Timothy 2:12). What a promise this is to those who love Christ! We can reign over sin’s power, over death’s threats, and over Satan’s attacks. Eternal life is ours now and forever. Though this promise has its greatest fulfillment in the future, it also has a significant immediate impact. In Christ, death loses its sting (see 1 Corinthians 15:50–57). We are still subject to the physical suffering and death brought by sin in the world, but we are free from the eternal spiritual separation that we would experience outside of Christ. Also, in the power and protection of Jesus Christ, we can overcome temptation.
Resources: Rev. Brad Standfest, Logos Bible Program Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Bruce B. Barton, Revelation, ed. Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary, Alcorn, Heaven 200-300, Grudem, Systematic Theology, Hitchcock, Heaven, Dr David Guzik, Revelation)
Sermon Notes:
Read Revelation 21:1-3
There are a couple Key Ingredients in these verses to Understanding how Glorious Heaven will be
Here are 2 that will launch us into Todays Sermon…
- A New Earth (Country) will be established surrounding the New Jerusalem (Holy CITY) (Hebrews 11:14-16; 13:14, Lk 19:11-12, Rev. 21:7, Isa. 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13)
- The Dwelling of God will be with us and God will Live with us. (Rev. 21:3)
The only place God truly dwelled & lived with man is where? - The Garden God Planted
“God planted a garden in the east- Eden”… And “Adam & Eve heard the sound of God walking in the garden in the morning.” (Gen 2:8, 3:8-9)
The Garden of Eden had Gold & Precious Stones in it… Onyx, Ruby, Jasper, Beryl, Topaz, Sapphire, Turquoise & alike
In the O.T. we are told that the High Priests Breast Plate & Ephod were made of Gold and many of these Precious Stones…
See the Picture of the Breast Plate
We are told in Scripture that these Precious Stones on the High Priest served as “Memorial Stones’ Exodus 28:6-29
Here’s some Fascinating, Good News… Listen:
These Memory Stones are the Precious Stones mentioned in the Garden of Eden… God was reminding his people he was bringing back the Garden… “A Paradise from the mouth of Jesus.” Just as Eden is our backward looking reference point. We should expect the New Earth to be like Eden, only better… that’s exactly what scripture promises.” (Alcorn 244)
How Glorious is Heaven?
The Foundations of the New Jerusalem are decorated with the Precious Stones of Eden…
The 12 Foundation Stones of the City (New Jerusalem)
Jasper (diamond), Sapphire (deep blue), Agate (green), Onyx, (layered stone of red), Carnelian (blood red), Chrysolite (golden yellow), Beryl (sea green), Topaz (greenish gold or yellow), Chrysoprase (gold green), Jacinth (violet), and Amethyst (purple quartz) Rev. 21:19-20
Jesus says, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7
Friends we will eat from the Tree of Life in Heaven…
On the sides of the River of the Water of Life… flowing from the Throne Room of God there are Trees of Life on each side of the banks. Bearing 12 crops. [We are Welcomed to eat]
The New Earth/ Paradise is described by the Prophet Isaiah:
Read Isaiah 11:6-9
Jesus said in Matthew 5:5: “We will inherit the earth”… Listen to this:
Jesus was speaking Heavenward… Which means the Joys of this Earth will continue in Heaven. Mountains, Rivers,
Trails, & Trees and all the breath taking landscape will be at our disposal… Although instead of driving you may just want to fly in your glorified body… or run like Superman… it’s really up to you.
How Glorious is Heaven… Let’s take a look at the New Holy City of Jerusalem- Your minds are about to go Boom!!…
Revelation 21:10-11 says this:The Angel carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, Coming down from Heaven from God. It shown like the Glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal.
So… The Holy City will come down from Heaven & Rest on the New Earth… It’s going to be the Capital city of the New Earth…
How Big is The Holy City & what Materials are used…
How Glorious is Heaven… Brace yourselves…
An Angel used a gold measuring rod using Man’s Measurements. The city is 1,400 MILES in length, width, and height… The walls are 216 FEET thick. The walls are made of Jasper & The City is made of Pure Gold. (Rev. 21: 15-18)
Let me show you how Big the City is in comparison to the USA
See the Pic of walls in USA 2,000,000 mz
The City has 12 Gates (always left open) and 12 Angels are posted at each gate. There are 3 openings on the N, S, E, & W… So people can come in & out of Paradise (New Earth) (Rev. 21:12-13; 21:24; 22:14)
The 12 Gates are made of Pearls… Each gate had a single pearl… The Main Street leading to the throne room of God was made of Pure Gold. (Rev. 4:6-8, 21:21, 22:3)
There are no words to describe such Splendor…
From the Throne of God flows a River of Life as clear as Crystal… It flows down the middle of the street of Gold… (Rev. 22:1-2)
If there could possibly be the Icing on the Cake here it is…
Gods Throne Room will be in the city because God’s dwelling will be with us… He will live with us… We shall see his face… and his name will be on our foreheads… We will reign with God for Eternity (Rev. 21:1-3, 22:3-5)
Devotional Questions
1.There are precious stones on the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19) Do you think is coincidental or Devine Providence of God that the Garden held these stones & the ephod and breastplate of the high priest was wearing them? Read Genesis 2:11-12 & Ezekiel 28:13, & Revelation 21:19
2. What were the precious stones called in Exodus 28:9-12… Verse 12?
3. How Glorious is the New Jerusalem ? How big, tall, & wide is it? Read Rev. 21:15-18** You may want to look up in the App notes for the conversion… does this shock you?
4. Read Rev. 21:9-21 and answer the following: How many gates are there? What is written on the gates? What is written on the walls? What were the gates made out of? What are the streets covered in? What were the walls made of & what was the city made of?
5. Read Rev. 21:1-3. Where will God live?
6. Read Rev. 22:1-7. Write down your personal reflections as you soak in the splendor of our new home.